As we celebrate the World Week of Prayer for Palestine and Israel, with its focus this year on all those Palestinians who are unjustly imprisoned by Israel, and the theme being “Let My People Go!”, Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad, General Secretary of NCCI has written an open letter expressing solidarity with them and assuring them of our prayers.

In Solidarity

Dear Unjustly Imprisoned Palestinian Brothers and Sisters,

As you undergo the brutalities of injustice and suffering meted out to you by the Israeli authorities, we express our deepest solidarity with you in your present condition.
In the imagination of our minds the sensations of our bodies, and the emotion of our hearts, we experience every word of insult hurled on you, every act of physical violence perpetrated on you, every condition of indignity you are subjected to, and the accompanying sorrow and pain. You are very much in our thoughts and prayers. We have been, in our humble ways, trying to raise the consciousness of the people in our land about the atrocities that continue to be inflicted upon you and all Palestinians.

Please be assured that God identifies with your suffering. The image posted above shows the crucified Jesus being in solidarity with all those who are chained. The words of Jesus in Luke 4:18 declare: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free.

May the cross of injustice and suffering lead you to the resurrection of freedom, dignity and joy!